Theology head the Rev Associate Prof Christopher Holmes said the service was a way to honour what had been done at the university over the past three-quarters of a century.

"We are really grateful that we are not just here, but we're thriving," Prof Holmes said.

"Part of our celebration [last night] is to emphasise the really good and positive things that have been happening in the programme."

The Christian faith was embraced by a significant minority in New Zealand, he said. Read more